Coalescaremonium: a gathering of like-minded as we like it

What do we love about the WGT in Leipzig? It's not just about the music, it's not just about donning your latest acquisition or fanciest outfit. Hell, it's not even just about the booze. It's an all-encompassing event. That is something the organization of Coalescaremonium understood completely. Coalescaremonium is a gathering of like-minded people, hence the name, which stands for coalescent (to come together in a single mass) ceremony. And did we come together? We did, even more numerous than during the previous edition, it seemed. And even more internationally. Good idea to check up on the language before starting a conversation with a handsome fellow or a comely damsel. Which shouldn't surprise, as the programme was even more varied and densely filled this time.

Early birds did not have to wait long before being able to loosen those hips and shake their feet on the dancefloor, where five diversely oriented DJ’s enchained their sets.

Whereas the chapel served as an exposition room last time, now it was a perfect picturesque second concert scene. It served as a background for the opening ceremony, which featured each member of the organization giving the best of himself in an individual artistic performance, from playing the flute or bassoon to singing, dancing and reciting poetry. The chapel proved to be an excellent location for artists such as Max Lilja, who astounded the audience with his cello skills and handled unfortunate moves on a humourist note, and Luminance that treated the public on a nice mix of older and new work. The harder work of S.E.M. and KnK was scheduled there as well.

On the main stage, the whimsical and quite energetic Hedera Helix broke the ice, followed by Pretentious, Moi?'s convincingly gothic rock and the Norwegian Sirenia that stilled the hunger of the gothic metal fans. Making the transition to the closing party, the droning beats of Iszoloscope turned up the power. A closing party that was cut a bit short due to the slight delay in the schedule and the closing hour of the venue, but no complaints were heard.

What would there be to complain about, as in between concerts lots of other options were open to the attendees: having their pictures taken at the photo booth; admiring the stunning gowns presented in the absence-themed fashion show; admiring the photo-art of Andy Julia - yes, the singer!; doing some shopping in between; enjoying the relatively nice weather or grabbing a bite out on the terrace or sipping tea or coffee while munching on delicious cupcakes. And tor those who cherish booze as a priority, it was possible to indulge in style, with a fancy menu offering wine, bubbles and the indispensable classic for a self-respecting stylish event of the darker kind: absinthe.

And best of all? The occasion to chat, laugh and discuss in a pleasant, friendly ambiance, surrounded by familiar and less familiar faces in their very best attire. A true joy.